BASIC ELECTRICAL SAFETY

INTRODUCTION PURPOSE: To provide employees with safe work practices & procedures to prevent an electrical accident or injury. SCOPE: Electrical Safety work practices are necessary for employees who work on or near exposed energized parts or for those who must understand safe practices on the job.

INTRODUCTION CONTINUED Electricity is integrated in our lives at work and at home. BUT NEVER TAKE IT’S POWER LIGHTLY! statistics showed 324 ( 9%) of work place deaths were electrocutions. OSHA devotes an entire section of regulations to this area. Focus is on training for: - Those who work directly with electricity. - Those who need “basic” instruction.

RESPONSIBILITIES MANAGEMENT - Understand how electricity acts & how it should be handled. - Identify hazards associated with use of electricity. - Identify causes of electrical accidents. - Provide protection to prevent electrical hazards. - Safety procedure development & maintenance. - Select & provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment. - Provide employee training. - Recordkeping. - Annual review & update of program.

RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED EMPLOYEES - Understand the hazards associated with use of electricity. - Understand the procedures for electrical safety. - Use provided Personal Protective Equipment as required. - Notify immediate supervisor of any identified hazards when using or inspecting electrical equipment or procedures.

HOW ELECTRICITY WORKS -Two kinds of electricity: 1) Static (stationary) 2) Dynamic (moving) - “Dynamic” is the kind commonly used: Flow of electrons through a conductor. An electron is a tiny particle of matter that orbits nucleus of an atom. Some move easily out of their orbits. This ability is the basis of current electricity. - A “complete circuit” is needed to control electricity flow. This is a source, conductor and consuming device (load).

OHM’S LAW - Volts = Current X Resistence ( or V=IR) - Volt is the unit of measure for “electromotive force” on the electrons flowing through conductors. - Current is the continuous movement of electrons past a given point (Point A to Point B). - Resistence is the opposition that electrons meet traveling along a conductor. This is measured in Ohms. Different materials provide varied resistence.

HAZARDS OF ELECTRICITY The primary hazards of electricity and it’s use are: - Shock - Burns - Arc Blast - Explosions - Fires

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS CONTINUED SHOCK - Received when part of your body becomes part of the electrical circuit. - High voltage shock can cause serious injury or death. - You will get a shock if you touch: 1) Both wires of an energized circuit 2) One wire of an energized circuit and ground 3) Part of machine that is “hot” because it is contacting an energized wire and the ground. - Can cause tingling, cardiac arrest and destruction of body parts.

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS CONTINUED BURNS - Results when a person touches electrical equipment or wiring that is improperly used or maintained. - Most often involves injuries to the hands. ARC-BLAST - Occurs when high amperage currents jump from one conductor to another through air. - Happens when opening or closing of circuits and when static electricity is discharged. - Fire can occur if happens in atmosphere with explosive mixture.

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS CONTINUED EXPLOSIONS -Occurs when electricity provides ignition source for an explosive mixture in atmosphere. -Causes range from overheated conductors or equipment to normal arcing at switch contacts. FIRES - Electricity is the most common cause. - Defective and/or misused equipment is the major cause. - Improperly spliced or connected wiring creates “high resistance” connections creating heat that starts fire.

CAUSES OF ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS Accidents and injuries with electricity are caused by one or a combination of the following: - Unsafe equipment and/or installation. - Unsafe workplaces caused by enviromental factors. - Unsafe work practices.

PREVENTING ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS Protection from electrical hazards is one way to prevent accidents. Methods of control are: - Insulation - Electrical protective devices - Guarding - Grounding - PPE

PREVENTION CONTINUED INSULATION - Placed on electrical conductors to protect from hazards. - Examples are glass, rubber, plastic or mica. - OSHA standards specific to insulation on conductors. ELECTRICAL PROTECTIVE DEVICES - Critical to electrical safety. - Interrupts current flow when it exceeds conductor capacity. - Examples are fuses, circuit breakers & GFCI’s.

PREVENTION CONTINUED GUARDING - Any “live” parts operating at 50 volts or more must be guarded to prevent accidental contact. - To accomplish, machinery or equipment can be located: 1) In room or vault, accessible to authorized staff only. 2) Behind screens/partitions which are permanent and protect from easy access. 3) On an elevated platform, gallery or balcony that is not accessible to unqualified personnel. 4) At least eight feet above floor of the work area. - Conspicuous warning signs posted appropriately.

PREVENTION CONTINUED GROUNDING -A requirement to protect against electrical shock, fire and damage to electrical equipment. - Types of grounding are: 1) Circuit or System - One conductor of circuit intentionally connected to earth. 2) Equipment- Provides path for dangerous fault current to return to system ground at supply source should insulator fail. - Grounding does not guarantee against shock or injury.

PREVENTION CONTINUED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT ( PPE ) - Electrical protective equipment that is appropriate for body parts needing protection and for work to be done. - Examples of appropriate PPE: * Gloves * Insulated boots or shoes * Anti-static clothing * Headgear

SAFE WORK PRACTICESWITH ELECTRICITY - Electrical tools should always be in good repair. - Use good judgement when working near electrical lines. - Wear provided Personal Protective Equipment. - Follow Lockout/Tagout procedures when necessary. - Electrical equipment is to be maintained properly. - Regularly inspect tools, cords, grounds & accessories. - Authorized staff ONLY to install and repair equipment.

SAFE WORK PRACTICES CONTINUED - Use 3 prong plugs, double insulated tools, safety switches. - Machine guards are in place & proper procedures followed. - Cables and cords are clean and free of kinks. - Never carry equipment or tools by it’s cord. - Use extension cords ONLY when flexibility is needed. - DO NOT TOUCH water, damp surfaces, bare wires, etc.. - DO NOT WEAR metal objects when working with electricity.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS Training must meet appropriate requirements for: - Task and Position needs. - OSHA regulations. Should occur at the these times: - During orientation to equipment, tools. - Entering job that uses electrical appliances, repairs or installs them. - Employer determines necessity for employee knowledge and development.

SUMMARY - Electricity is a part of our daily lives, at work and at home. - Follow safe work practices and “common sense” when dealing with electricity. - Good work habits become second nature. Treat electricity with respect. It will serve you efficiently and safely.